A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to site a drink and drugs rehabilitation centre in a residential area is being scrutinised at an inquiry.

Highbury House, on Highbury Drive in Blackwood, was earmarked for the scheme amidst a public outcry.

As the Express goes to press, representatives on behalf of owners, Fairlake, and Caerphilly County Borough Council are still questioning witnesses in an inquiry being conducted by Hwyel Wyn Jones.

Members of a packed public gallery are eagerly awaiting to put forward protests and to hopefully hear the decision they have been fighting for for four years.

In her opening statement, Morag Ellis, representing Fairlake, explained the proposal is to convert Highbury House into eight bedsits to rehabilitate people who have suffered with addiction to drugs or alcohol.

She said: “It would provide a safe drug and alcohol free environment.

“Residents will have to do quite a bit in sorting out their problems first before they reach Highbury House.”

She explained residents would be subject to a strict curfew of 11pm and visitors would only be allowed by prior appointment and with the consent of the management.

Residents will have already completed a detox programme.

Opening the inquiry, Hwyel Wyn Jones said he would be exploring all manner of issues surrounding the project, including safety, accessibility, effects on current living conditions and on the character of the area.

He said he would also be considering any nature concerns and the benefits to the community as a whole.

Against the advice of the council officers the planning committee turned down the application, with 21 members worried that access to the house was not suitable for the project.

Geoffrey Stephenson, appearing on behalf of the council reiterated that the main issue was whether Highbury Drive is an acceptable access for the proposed use.

Coun Stan Jenkins, head of the planning committee up until the recent election, gave evidence for the council.

He said: “The drive is neither safe nor suitable.”

He detailed how the steep road is narrow, in bad repair, and with sharp bends and poor visibility.

The committee had envisaged more traffic influx to the drive considering staff, visitors and deliveries etc to the project.

The issue of how wheelchair users or people with limited mobility could access the house was considered.

The gradient of the hill was measured at “one in five” where “one in 20” would be the most a wheelchair user would be expected to attempt.

An alternative access point, through Garfield Street, is being considered as an amendment to the plans, despite residents having been assured this would not be the case.

In an outburst from the public gallery, Janet Chivers, said: “I have wanted to live in Garfield Street for five years, but I would not live there now if you paid me.”

After a tense morning, Alun Rees took to the witness box for Fairlake.

During his questioning, the highways engineer said he viewed Highbury House as being a “highly sustainable location”.

He denied that traffic would be increased in the area saying that a plan was scheduled to be signed up to reduce car use at the location.

He also spoke about how the drive was due to be resurfaced and that a salt bin would be installed for use in poor weather conditions.

A proposed “fish-eye” mirror was discussed, the idea being it would improve visibility and safety on the bends.

It was detailed that these moves would be to the benefit of not just the residents of Highbury House, but families currently living in the vicinity.

Speaking from the public gallery, Teresa Cavell, who lives in Highbury Drive, said: “We have never had any satisfactory answers and it seems to be the same here.”